Health Notes: Week of Jan. 9, 2013

January 9, 2013

Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida, in partnership with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida, offers a free monthly autism spectrum disorder screening for toddlers 18 months to five years of age.

The next screening will be held Jan. 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at McDonald's at Gulf Coast Town Center, 17800 Ben Hill Griffin Parkway, Estero.

It is estimated that one in every 150 children is diagnosed with some form of Autism Spectrum Disorder, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined.

Medical consultants for the project stress that an early diagnosis can make a vast difference for toddlers and their families. They say early intensive behavioral intervention can make an immense difference not just in the development of the child, but in their families as well.

The ASD screening is conducted by the Neurosciences Center at Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida. The screenings are administered by an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, who has extensive training and experience in typical child development and developmental disorders.

A physician referral is not required. To schedule a screening, please call 239-343-6838.

* Dr. James Orr Elected Vice Chair of the Florida Board of Medicine

21st Century Oncology has announced that Board Certified Gynecologic Oncologist James Orr, M.D., FACOG, FACS has been chosen to serve as Vice Chair of the Florida Board of Medicine.

"It is a great honor to be appointed Vice Chair to the Florida Board of Medicine, notably because the selection is a reflection of the impressions of my peer members on the board," said Dr. Orr in a prepared statement. "The position allows me the opportunity to continue the important work of improving the efficiency, effectiveness and fairness of the heath care system for all residents in our state."

As the medical director of Florida Gynecologic Oncology, a division of 21st Century Oncology, Orr practices with the belief that all women diagnosed with or suspected of having cancer should have access to the best treatment available. His experience and varied local, regional and national leadership positions combined with strong ties to evidence-based medicine and a devotion to clinical research form the foundation of his practice. Orr's vision is to deliver state-of-the-art care-from diagnosis to post-treatment surveillance-in a warm and compassionate environment.

"A physician can influence medicine locally by the care they deliver in their practice," Orr said. "I am grateful and proud to be able to positively impact the delivery of health care statewide through this position."

The Florida Board of Medicine was established to protect and enhance the health of all residents of the state, with members appointed by the governor. Gov. Rick Scott appointed Dr. Orr to serve on the 15-member board in 2011. Since then, he has served as Chair of the surgical care committee, addressing issues related to quality of care and standards of practice, and formulating policy recommendations for the full board's consideration.

"We value having Dr. Orr as part of the 21st Century Oncology team and have celebrated the high standards of care he provides patients for many years," said Constantine A. Mantz, M.D., Board Certified Radiation Oncologist and 21st Century Oncology's Chief Medical Officer in a prepared statement. "Having him serve as the Vice Chair for the Florida Board of Medicine will mean he may endeavor to bring that same level of care throughout the state."

Dr. Orr has held numerous leadership positions including Vice President for the American Cancer Society of Polk County, President of the Florida Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, and President of the Florida Obstetric and Gynecologic Society. He also serves in an editorial capacity for multiple academic journals, including the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Journal of Reproductive Medicine, and Cancer Detection and Prevention.

* Cape Coral Hospital receives NICHE designation

Cape Coral Hospital has joined a distinguished network of hospitals and healthcare professionals by achieving designation as a NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders) site. This site designation though the New York University College of Nursing was created to improve the quality of care for the hospitalized elderly by increasing awareness of geriatric issues and implementing protocols for geriatric care.

"I am very excited to begin this journey with our team and to educate our nursing staff in ways that will enhance the care of our geriatric patients now and into the future," said Wendy Piascik, VP of Patient Care Services at Cape Coral Hospita in a prepared statement. "By learning about and implementing NICHE based programs, we hope to orchestrate the care delivered for our elderly patients and help them to achieve as much normalcy and independence as possible after an illness or injury."

NICHE is comprised of 450 hospitals and health care facilities throughout North America. The mission of NICHE is to provide principles and tools to stimulate a change in the culture of health care to achieve patient-centered care for older adults. Ongoing support for planning, implementing, and measuring program status and success is provided through state of the art education, training tools and resources such as project management support and mentoring for NICHE based initiatives. Advances in care are developed through shared information, knowledge, and expertise.

* Pediatric Nurse Practitioner joins Physicians' Primary Care

Jessica Schumaker has joined Physicians' Primary Care of Southwest Florida as a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She will be assisting pediatricians in both the Cape Coral office at 1261 Viscaya Parkway, Suite 101 and the Fort Myers office at 9350 Camelot Drive.

Schumaker received both her Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science degree in nursing from the University of Central Florida. She is a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP) and an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP).

Before joining PPC, Schumaker worked in the Pediatric Critical Care unit of Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando.

Schumaker is a member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Advanced Practitioners, the American Nurses Association and the Florida Nurses Association.

Physicians' Primary Care of Southwest Florida, a physician-owned and operated medical practice, was formed in 1996 by many long practicing local physicians and has grown to become the largest independent multi-specialty practice in Southwest Florida with more than 45 physicians and medical professionals.

For more information, visit ppcswfl.com.

* Tony Rotino Senior Center

Annual Membership fee is $30 for Cape Coral residents and $45 for non-residents. This includes membership to both Lake Kennedy and the Tony Rotino Senior Centers.

Exercise Classes

Seniorcise Class: Wednesday and Friday. 9:30 to 10:30 a.m Cost $4, members; $8, non-member. Certified Aerobics Instructor Monica Jipson: This class is designed for the senior who enjoys keeping active and is looking for a fun time while getting all the benefits of a workout.

The Cape Coral Hospital Auxiliary conducts blood pressure tests every Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. in the hospital main lobby. For more information call 574-0206.

* Wellness programs

- Zumba Gold every Saturday 10 to 11 a.m. Cost $6 per class

- Tai Chi, on Tuesday, 9 a.m.; Thursday 9 a.m. Cost $6.

Classes held at Gulf Coast Village, 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd. For more information and to register: call: 239-573-3334

* American Heart Association BLS HCP CPR training

Stella Toomey of On the Spot CPR Training will be offering American Heart Association BLS HCP CPR training at the North Fort Myers Community Park Recreation Center at 2021 N. Tamiami Trail in North Fort Myers. Preregistration is required and class size is limited.

To make your reservation for training, please contact Stella Toomey of On the Spot CPR Training at (239) 560-5613 or onthespottraining@gmail.com. More information is available at onthespotcprtraining.com.